DVDs are sometimes referred to as "software," but that's in reference to
the content on the disc, not the disc itself. It's very much like the way a
CD-ROM may contain software, but the physical CD-ROM itself is not
software, it's a media format. If you downloaded the same content from
online that's on the CD-ROM, that content doesn't somehow change into
something other than software.

Fromhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software
"The term "software" is sometimes used in a broader context to describe any
electronic media *content* which embodies expressions of ideas such as
film, tapes, records, etc."

If you can find an example of a physical media being referred to as
"software" prior to 1958, then you may have a point. However, your chances
seem unlikely if the OED and experienced etymologists can't find any
earlier references except a 1850 occurrence applying to word to decomposing
garbage.

You make a very strong case, jayg. Now, perhaps you can tell us in no
uncertain terms why we shouldn't go with the dictionary.com definition:

'Software' was originally computer programs. You'd never have thought
of calling it something amorphous like 'content', because it had a
more precise, restrictive logical structure than even the hardware it
ran on.

But, for a while now, I've seen 'software' being used to describe
prerecorded material for media-players. Though I've always considered
it a logical mis-extension of the term, certainly that meaning has
nevertheless become part of my vocabulary ...and, if I worked in the
entertainment industry, indeed the original meaning might quickly seem
antiquated.

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